Esme Nicholson

Speaking to reporters at a German military base, Merz affirmed a strong NATO remains top priority.

Referring to Germany's relationship with the United States, he said it is particularly close to our hearts and to him personally.

Trump said Merz should focus on trying to end Russia's war in Ukraine instead of, quote, interfering with the issue of Iran.

Earlier this week, Merz remarked the Iranian regime has, quote, humiliated the United States and added the U.S.

appears to have no exit strategy from what he called an ill-conceived war.

For NPR News, I'm Esme Nicholson in Berlin.

Spain, Ireland and Slovenia were among the member states pushing to suspend some of Israel's free trade privileges with the 27-nation bloc.

Pointing to settler violence in the West Bank, they accuse Israel of breaching conditions of the deal that include respect for human rights.

Germany and Italy vetoed the proposal, which requires unanimous support.

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Warupfuhl says his government's objection to sanctions does not mean what he called critical issues should not be discussed with Israel.

For NPR News, I'm Esme Nicholson in Berlin.

Lufthansa says its decision to reduce its summer flight timetable should save more than 40,000 metric tons of kerosene

which has more than doubled in price since the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran.

Dutch carrier KLM, Air France and Delta have also temporarily cut some flights, while other airlines have raised ticket prices and baggage fees.

The Gulf provides about half of Europe's jet fuel, most of it via the Strait of Hormuz, which remains effectively closed.

The EU is warning of a very serious aviation crisis as the International Energy Agency warns that Europe could run out of jet fuel within weeks.

For NPR News, I'm Esme Nicholson in Berlin.

Speaking to journalists the day after winning a landslide victory, 45-year-old Peter Magyar said after years of strained relations with Brussels, Hungary will return to being fully anchored in Europe.

Magyar, a centre-right politician and former member of the outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party...

has the constitutional majority in parliament to allow him to restore Hungary's institutions and unlock billions in European Union funding.